Chaozhou Travel Guide

Chaozhou: A Thousand-Year-Old City & World-Class Food Capital

Chaozhou sits at the eastern edge of Guangdong Province, bordering Fujian, and has long been a key gateway between the two regions. The Han River flows through the heart of the city, while three mountains naturally protect the old town, creating the poetic landscape often described as "one river through the city, three mountains guarding it." Officially recognized by UNESCO as a "City of Gastronomy" and the "Hometown of Gongfu Tea Culture," Chaozhou boasts over 1,300 historical relics and 17 national-level intangible cultural heritage items. Today, it stands out as one of the best destinations in Lingnan China to experience traditional architecture, craftsmanship, food culture, and local daily life -unchanged by time yet very much alive.

Top Attractions & Must-Do Experiences in Chaozhou

Chaozhou's charm lies in the seamless blend of history, living traditions, and everyday local life. Below are the city's key experiences, organized by interest to help you plan easily.

1. Historic & Cultural Landmarks

Guangji Bridge (Guangjiqiao)
One of China's Four Great Ancient Bridges, famous for its unique floating "boat-bridge" structure. Walk across it by day, and enjoy a stunning light show at night.

Chaozhou Ancient City & Paifang Street
The heart of the old town, lined with 23 Ming- and Qing-dynasty stone arches and Southeast Asian–style arcades. This is the best area to explore local crafts, intangible heritage, and street food.

Kaiyuan Temple
Eastern Guangdong's oldest and largest Buddhist temple, founded in the Tang Dynasty and still an active place of worship today.

Han Wen Gong Shrine
Built in honor of Han Yu, a famous Tang-dynasty scholar and former governor of Chaozhou. Set against the hills, it offers peaceful surroundings and views over the Han River.

2. Intangible Cultural Heritage & Crafts

Chaozhou Gongfu Tea
Learn the 21-step tea-brewing ritual and taste Phoenix Dancong tea, often called the "perfume of teas." For deeper insight, visit the Phoenix Dancong Tea Museum.

Hand-Pulled Zhuni Clay Teapots
Join a hands-on workshop in the old town (such as Mingde Garden) to experience this national-level intangible heritage craft.

Chaozhou Wood Carving & Chao Embroidery
Watch master artisans at work along Paifang Street, where wood becomes canvas and silk thread becomes ink.

3. Local Food Adventures

Chaozhou Beef Hot Pot
Freshly sliced beef cooked in a clear broth, with each cut offering a different texture. Dip it in local satay sauce for the full experience.

Marinated Seafood (Sheng Yan)
Nicknamed the "Chaoshan delicacy," this dish features raw seafood marinated in a special sauce - silky, bold, and uniquely local.

Chaozhou-Style Rice Rolls
Unlike Cantonese versions, these are generously filled and topped with fragrant sesame sauce or braised gravy - an everyday breakfast favorite.

Traditional Rice Cakes (Guo)
From salty xianshui guo to festive red peach cakes, these rice-based snacks offer a window into Chaozhou food culture.

4. Nature & Scenic Escapes

Phoenix Mountain & Tianchi Lake
The highest peak in eastern Guangdong, known for its alpine lake, rhododendron blooms, dramatic cloud seas, and as the core growing area of Phoenix Dancong tea.

Longgui Village Waterfall
Often called the "No.1 Waterfall of Eastern Guangdong," with a drop of over 100 meters - powerful, refreshing, and scenic.

Classic Itineraries & Easy Extensions

2-Day Chaozhou Old Town

• Day 1: Kaiyuan Temple → Paifang Street (crafts & snacks) → Guangji Bridge → evening light show → old-town dinner.

• Day 2: Han Wen Gong Shrine → Gongfu tea experience → teapot-making workshop → depart.

Nearby Extensions (1–2 Days)

• Chaozhou + Shantou: ~1 hour drive to Shantou's Small Park Historic District; combine ancient culture with port-city heritage.

• Meizhou (Hakka Culture): 1.5–2 hours drive; visit Hakka walled houses and enjoy Hakka cuisine.

Getting There & Getting Around

By Air
Chaozhou is served by Chaoshan Jieyang International Airport (SWA), conveniently located between Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang. The airport offers flights to major cities across China. From the airport, you can reach downtown Chaozhou by airport shuttle bus or private transfer in about 40–60 minutes. SWA is also an official entry point for China's 240-hour visa-free transit, making arrival easier for eligible international travelers.

By Train

Chaoshan Railway Station is the main high-speed rail hub for the region, with frequent connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Hong Kong. From the station, public transport or a private transfer will take you to Chaozhou Old Town in around 30–40 minutes.

Local Transportation
Chaozhou Old Town is compact, and most sights are within walking distance. Electric scooters or bikes are a convenient option for getting around. For trips to farther areas such as Phoenix Mountain, hiring a private car is the most flexible and comfortable choice.

Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons

Autumn (October–December) and Spring (March–April) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and less rainfall - perfect for sightseeing and strolling through the old town.

Other Times

Summer (May–September) can be hot with occasional typhoons, but it's a good season for cooler escapes in the Phoenix Mountain area.

Winter (January–February) is generally mild and a great time to experience local festivals and traditional New Year customs.

Luxury Hotels & Boutique Stays

Boutique Luxury Stays

• Chao · Monet Garden – Located in the heart of the Old Town, this stylish boutique hotel is inspired by Monet's paintings and offers personalized butler-style service. Major  sights such as Kaiyuan Temple and Archway Street are just a short walk away.

• Chaoyu Boutique Residence – Also near the Old Town, this design-focused stay features elegant interiors, with some rooms offering views over the historic city. Easy access to main attractions and transport.

Hot Spring Resort

• Phoenix Mountain Hot Spring Resort – Set within the Phoenix Mountain scenic area, this resort blends mountain      views, tea culture, and natural hot springs. Ideal for travelers looking to relax and unwind in nature.

International Brand Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Chaozhou Riverside – Located along the Han River, the hotel offers panoramic views of Guangji      Bridge and the Old Town, with international-standard facilities and services suited for both leisure and business travelers.